Kai ‘Ehitu
Outrigger
Team
laorana, and welcome to Kai ‘Ehitu!
For Kai ‘Ehitu paddling is a way of life - we embrace the original traditions of Hawaiian outrigger canoeing. We believe that everyone has a place in our canoes, from our keiki as young as 8 to our kūpuna in their 80s. Out on the ocean, we’re guided by inclusivity, respect for the ocean, and a spirit of aloha.
Kai ‘Ehitu is about belonging. Whether you’ve paddled all your life or are just dipping your paddle in the ocean for the first time, you are welcome here.
Welcome to the 2026 season!
Renew your registration here.
Be part of our ‘ohana for a day, a season, or a lifetime!
Explore membership or make a donation!
Compete with Kai’ Ehitu
Join our Kai ‘Ehitu ‘ohana on the ocean. Our teams welcome paddlers of all ages, from 8-year-old keiki to kūpuna.
Join our Recreational Team
Our Recreational Team is a fun, low pressure way to pressure way to paddle on your schedule.
Make a Donation
Your donations help keep our canoes in the ocean, support paddlers of all ages, and preserve the traditions that guide our Kai ʻEhitu ʻohana.
Contribute to our GoFundMe
Kai Ehitu, Kai Opua Canoe Club Inc., and Keauhou Canoe Club are teaming up to build a Kailua Bay Regatta Course!
Every donation helps keep canoe culture alive.
Kai ‘Ehitu Merch
Take the spirit of Kai ‘Ehitu with you on and off the water - shop our team merch today.
What does Kai ‘Ehitu mean?
Kai ‘Ehitu is more than a name, it is a family legacy.
The name Kai ‘Ehitu was chosen when Pierre “Papa” Kimitete founded our team. Before choosing a name, he called his father, Joseph “Utu” Kimitete, to ask for guidance. He told him:
When choosing a name, remember where you are from, and respect where you are.
With that wisdom in mind, and in conversation with his mother, the name Kai ʻEhitu was chosen.
Kai means sea or ocean in Hawaiian — honoring the waters of Hawaiʻi, where we live, love, paddle, and holds deep respect for the land and ocean.
ʻEhitu means seven in Marquesan (from the islands of the Marquesas in Tahiti), honoring our ancestral roots.
Together, Kai ʻEhitu (Seven Seas) represents the connection between heritage and home, ancestry and present place, and the ocean that binds us all.
The tiki featured on our team shirts is the family crest of our founders, symbolizing strength, protection, and lineage.
“Every stroke reminds me how lucky we are to live in Hawai‘i - where the ocean is our teacher and tranquility is our greatest treasure. Out here, peace comes first, and everything else follows.”
- Brian C, Kai ‘Ehitu Captain
What our ‘ohana has to say…
Nan G.
Kai ‘Ehitu Captain
“As a captain, I’m proud to lead a team that blends tradition, community, and competition. Kai ‘Ehitu isn’t just about paddling — it’s about building strength, respect, and connection on and off the water.”
Shari S.
Kai ‘Ehitu Competitive Paddler
“Kai ‘Ehitu pushes me to be my best. The coaching, teamwork, and training are top notch, and racing with this crew has been one of the most rewarding challenges of my life.”
Taylor F.
Kai ‘Ehitu Rec Paddler
“Joining Kai ‘Ehitu has been such a welcoming experience. I love that I can paddle at my own pace, meet great people, and enjoy time on the water without pressure. It feels like family every time I show up.”
